CCAI Announces 2020 Women in Finishing FORUM
May 6-8 at the University of Notre Dame The Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) announces the second annual Women in Finishing FORUM will be held at the Embassy Suites South Bend at Notre Dame from May 6-8, 2020. “After a highly successful inaugural event, we are thrilled to return to South Bend in 2020. The Embassy Suites and the University of Notre Dame proved to be an ideal location for the FORUM,” states Sheila LaMothe, CCAI’s vice president of strategic initiatives and Women in Finishing program manager.
CCAI began its Women in Finishing (WiF) initiative at FABTECH 2017 in Chicago. An overwhelming response led to an expanded program with a focus on professional development and networking for women with careers in industrial finishing, including the Women in Finishing FORUM.
The 2019 Women in Finishing FORUM received extremely positive evaluations, generating excitement for future FORUMs. Laura Beach of Lippert Components summed up her experience, noting, “Gaining a community of women with a variety of backgrounds but with the common connection of a career in finishing/manufacturing was invaluable, and the sessions were engaging and informative. I truly appreciated the time spent at the FORUM and I look forward to attending again in the future!” Comments from other FORUM participants echoed Laura’s sentiments and included statements like, “Excellent meeting, especially for a first event. The topics were informative, and I enjoyed how they were tied to working in manufacturing/finishing as women.” And, “I really enjoyed this event! It was awesome to have such a strong group of women to learn and grow from; it was a very inspiring group.”
Building on the success of this year’s FORUM, planning is well underway for the 2020 event. Confirmed speakers include Shelley Bausch, president of Carlisle Fluid Technologies (Market Trends) and Lee Ann Schwope Cochran, partner at Amphora Consulting (Creating a Culture of Accountability). Back by popular demand, Dr. Amber Selking will close the FORUM with what promises to be an energetic and empowering presentation. The program will also include a tour of Lippert Components’ finishing operations. More information can be found at www.womeninfinishing.org. “We have some exciting things in the works and expect significant growth for next year’s FORUM,” added LaMothe.
Details including program information, registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found by visiting https://www.ccaiweb.com/page/WiF. 
